The killers of Det Gda Adrian Donohoe should not be allowed to hide in the community, a priest said yesterday.

Speaking at the month’s mind Mass for the slain garda, Fr Michael Cusack said no one should dare hide the killers of the detective.

He also asked the congregation to pray Adrian’s murderers would be caught.

More than 600 people packed into St Joseph’s Redemptorist church in Dundalk, Co Louth, for the special service in memory of the brave garda.

Adrian’s grieving wife Caroline comforted her children Amy, seven, and six-year-old Niall who were joined by their grandparents Hugh and Peggy and other family members.

Garda Commissioner Martin Callinan was also at the Mass along with many of Adrian’s colleagues in the force.

They had come to remember a loving family man, courageous garda and a tireless community figure who had given his life in the service of the people.

A month ago Fr Michael Cusack had officiated at the officer’s funeral.

Yesterday he issued a powerful plea for those with information on the killers to come forward.

Fr Cusack said: “We can show we will not tolerate violence. We can insist we won’t hide people who need to be brought to justice.

“No one should dare to pervert the course of justice.”

Det Gda Donohoe was shot dead during a raid on Lordship Credit Union near Bellurgan, Co Louth, on January 28.

The brave officer was cut down by a cowardly thug who opened fire without warning as the detective walked towards a car parked outside the Credit Union.

And as a tribute from the people he protected, a special box on the altar of the church contained the books of condolence signed by thousands from the Dundalk area. Fr Cusack said that and the huge attendance at the Mass showed not only the public’s horror at the killing and sympathy for the family but also the depth of respect for peace and justice.

The priest also prayed for the success of the Garda investigation into the brutal murder.

He said: “In your search for justice it’s important you know that justice can be done.”

Meanwhile, the investigation by the Garda and the PSNI in the North is continuing for the breakthrough clue that will help bring the gang responsible for the murder to justice.

They believe the five raiders belong to a cross-border gang who escaped with €4,000 from the credit union in a Volkswagen Passat which had been stolen days before in Clogherhead in South Co Louth and was later found burned out at Darkley near Keady in South Armagh.